Kibunguchi in cloud nine after USA debut
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 13.06.21. | 16:22
Kenyan defender opens up on making his first professional debut for Sacramento Republic FC.
Kenyan defender Nabilai Kibunguchi was ecstatic after finally making his professional debut for Sacramento Republic FC in a six-goal thriller that ended in a 3-3 stalemate against Oakland Roots in the United Soccer League (USL) Championship.
Kibunguchi’s debut came just seven days after complete his loan move to the club from Minnesota United who ply their trade in the Major Soccer League (MSL).
The loan move saw his short football career came a full circle as he previously turned out Sacramento Republic FC academy before joining UC Davis where he was drafted to Minnesota United.
The 23-year-old was handed the final 11 minutes of the game as he replaced Jordan McCrary and was delighted with his performance in the clash.
“I feel pretty good about my performance overall, especially in the limited minutes I got. I just told myself I wanted to make an impact on the game. When I went into the game, that's what I did,”
From the Academy to the first team ????
— Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) June 4, 2021
Big congrats to @Nabi_K18 on making his pro debut last night! Nothing better than seeing another homegrown player make their journey into the pros. #Indomitable pic.twitter.com/AmZliEiEHF
“So, I was pretty pleased with my performance, especially in a position I never really played before. So, I was pretty happy overall, and I got a couple of good crosses in there. So, overall, pleased, I just wish we got the win,” said Nabi
Kibunguchi is centre-back but has represented the US at junior level as he was selected for the U.S. Under-19 National Team, and won the Slovakia Cup against Russia, 2-1.
The defender however admitted to being nervous ahead of his professional debut and revealed his uncle’s encouragement before the game.
“Oh yeah, it felt different because I had never been in the professional game before, so the nerves are definitely there for sure. But I tried to calm myself, especially during the game when it started, just trying to calm myself, just be ready for the moment as much as I can, and ultimately just enjoy it.”
“Yeah, I was staying with my uncle the last couple of weeks and he's been giving me advice here and there. He was saying on that day just ‘be ready for the moment. You're here for a reason’ sort of thing,” added Nabi.
